Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, held an urgent debate in Parliament to raise the matter of step-free access upgrades at Wealden train stations, Blue Badge parking at Eridge station and to probe the Minister on investment into the electrification of the Uckfield Line and a new depot in Crowborough.
52% of railway stations in the South East currently lack step free access.
Whilst highlighting the funding secured for Eridge and Crowborough stations where refurbishment work is taking place to ensure step-free access, she urged the minister to ensure Blue Badge parking is also delivered as part of this work.
Safety upgrades at Frant and Wadhurst stations to support visually impaired people has also been carried out, however step-free access is still lacking at these stations.
The need was stressed for major investment into the electrification of the Uckfield Line including a new depot in Crowborough.
Nus said, “I’m pleased to have secured this important debate and bring disability access upgrades in Wealden to the Minister’s attention. Train travel is a vital form of transport for Wealden residents and securing improvements to rail services in Wealden remains one of my priorities. I have raised the matter of the electrification of the Uckfield Line repeatedly with the Department and will continue this quest to get a firm commitment as to when any major investment will take place. I am grateful for the funds that I have already secured for fantastic accessibility upgrades to Crowborough, Eridge, Wadhurst and Frant train stations, but more needs to be done. The Minister committed to joining me in Wealden to celebrate the opening of Eridge and Crowborough once the refurbishments are completed and I also welcome his assurances of future funding coming to Wealden.”
You can watch the full debate here
You can access the original article here.
